The stage is set for the Barca vs PSG match in the UEFA Champions League. This time, the spotlight shines on the highly awaited clash between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, a fixture that brings history, drama, and revenge narratives together.
Both teams secured their spots in the quarterfinals with impressive performances, and now, they face each other in a two-legged battle for a Champions League semi-final spot.
Champions League 2024 Quarter-Final Draw
Before we look into the details of Barca vs PSG, let’s take a quick rundown at the other exciting matchups in the Champions League quarter-finals.
We have a heavyweight clash between the past two Champions League winners, Real Madrid and Manchester City. Another exciting encounter pits Arsenal against the mighty Bayern Munich.
Finally, Atletico Madrid will lock horns with Borussia Dortmund in what promises to be a strategic match.
LEG 1 OF 2
| TEAM | MATCH DATE |
| Arsenal vs Bayern | 10 April 2024 |
| Real Madrid vs Man City | 10 April 2024 |
| PSG vs Barcelona | 11 April 2024 |
| Atletico Madrid vs Dortmund | 11 April 2024 |
LEG 2 OF 2
| TEAM | MATCH DATE |
| Dortmund vs Atletico Madrid | 17 April 2024 |
| Barca vs Psg | 17 April 2024 |
| Bayern vs Arsenal | 18 April 2024 |
| Man City vs Real Madrid | 18 April 2024 |
Barca vs PSG Expected Lineups
Now, let’s shift our focus back to the center stage: Barca vs PSG. Here’s a breakdown of the expected lineups for both teams (Barca vs Psg):
FC Barcelona:
● Goalkeeper:
Marc-André ter Stegen – A world-class shot-stopper, ter Stegen will be crucial in shutting down PSG’s potent attack.
● Defenders:
Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Koundé, Joao Cancelo – This young and dynamic backline with experienced Cancelo will need to be at their best to contain the likes of Mbappe, Kolo Muani and Dembele.
● Midfielders:
Gundogan, Christensen (CDM), Fermin Lopez – The experience of Gundogan paired with creativity alongside Christensen’s Defending and Fermin’s Goal Scoring Ability will be vital in the overall result of the game.
● Forwards:
Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Ferran Torres – While Lewandowski and Ferran provide a potent goal threat, Yamal would contribute to the creativity of the game.
Paris Saint-Germain:
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma – A young and talented goalkeeper, Donnarumma will face a stern test against Barca’s attacking prowess.
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Danilo Pereira, Lucas Hernandez, Nuno Mendes – This experienced backline will need to be well-coordinated to stop Barca’s attacking forays.
- Midfielders: Lee Kang-in, Vitinha, Carlos Soler – This young midfield has a lot of potential, they’ll give a toe-to-toe fight to Barcelona’s midfield.
- Forwards: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembele, Kolo Muani – Dembélé will be keen to prove himself against his former club. Their Trio’s pace, trickery, and goal-scoring ability could be a nightmare for Barca’s defense.
- Kylian Mbappe: This young French prodigy has already tormented Barca on multiple occasions, most notably with his hat-trick at the Camp Nou in 2021. This time around, with rumors swirling about a potential move to Real Madrid, Mbappe will be extra motivated to leave his mark on the biggest stage.
- Lamine Yamal: While not a confirmed starter, the inclusion of the young Moroccan midfielder, Lamine Yamal, would be an interesting choice for PSG in the Barca vs PSG match. Yamal has impressed with his composure and passing range in Ligue 1, and he could offer a more controlled approach in midfield.
- Pau Cubarsí: Another youngster who could potentially see some playing time for Barca is the highly-rated defender, Pau Cubarsí. With his pace and tackling ability, Cubarsí could be a valuable asset against PSG’s pacy attackers.
Ousmane Dembélé’s History with Barcelona:
Ousmane Dembélé arrived at Barcelona in 2017 with a hefty price tag and the weight of expectation on his shoulders. He was a replacement for Neymar, a dazzling winger who could electrify the Camp Nou faithful. However, Dembélé’s story at Barcelona has been one of frustration and missed opportunities. In the end, he left Barca for PSG and now he’s playing against Barcelona.
Talent Unfulfilled
There’s no denying Dembélé’s raw talent. He’s a skillful winger blessed with pace and the ability to weave past defenders with ease. Barcelona fans have witnessed glimpses of his brilliance.
A Struggle with Injuries and Inconsistency
Unfortunately, Dembélé’s career at Barcelona has been affected by injuries. He’s spent a significant amount of time on the sidelines, leaving fans wondering “What if?” Even when fit, inconsistency has been another hallmark. While he could produce moments of magic, he struggled to maintain that level throughout a match, particularly in important encounters.
Fan Frustration and the “Big Game Curse”
Many Barcelona fans hold Dembélé accountable for the team’s struggles. His poor passing and tendency to lose possession in critical moments added to the frustration. The missed sitter against Liverpool in the 2018/19 Champions League remains a source of anger for some fans, who believe it triggered the team’s downfall.
Xavi’s Disappointment and the Betrayal
Under manager Xavi Hernandez, Dembélé seemed to be turning a corner. Xavi unlocked his potential, and Dembélé started playing some of the best football of his career. This made his eventual decision to leave, particularly for a rival club like PSG, even more disappointing for Xavi and many fans. It was seen as a betrayal of the trust and effort Xavi invested in reviving Dembélé’s career.
Looking Forward
Despite the frustration, some fans believe a move away from Barcelona might be the best for Dembélé’s career. He’ll face less pressure at PSG and potentially have a more prominent role in the team. However, others argue that his inconsistency will continue to affect him, and he’ll forever be remembered as a player who never fulfilled his immense potential at Barcelona.
Dembélé’s departure leaves a void in Barcelona’s attack. While the club has talented youngsters like Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres, replacing Dembélé’s unique skill set will be a challenge.
Injured Players
Injuries can significantly impact team dynamics, so here’s a quick list of some key players who might miss the first leg of the Barca vs PSG clash:
Other Potential Injuries:
It’s important to note that injuries can occur right up until the Barca vs Psg match. Keep an eye on reliable sources for any last-minute updates on the availability of other key players for both teams, such as:
FC Barcelona:
Keep an eye on the fitness of players like Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, and Gavi who are currently on the sidelines due to injury.
Paris Saint-Germain:
Monitor the status of players like Marquinhos, Skriniar, Kimpembe, Marco Asensio, and Kurzawa.
These injury situations can disturb the team’s strengths and weaknesses in the Barca vs PSG match.
Previous Face-to-Face Record
Barca vs PSG has always been a fiercely contested matchup, with both teams boasting some memorable victories over each other. However, recent history favors PSG.
Here’s a closer look at their recent encounters in the Champions League:
Paris Saint-Germain dominated Barcelona with a convincing 4-1 victory. This Barca vs Psg match was held on March 10, 2021, at the Parc des Princes. Kylian Mbappe stole the show with a hat-trick. In contrast, Lionel Messi scored a consolation goal for Barca.
But Barca fans still hold onto the iconic 6-1 comeback against PSG! This March 8, 2017 match is the favorite in the memory of every Barca fan. After suffering a humiliating 4-0 knockout at the Parc des Princes in the first leg, Barcelona staged an incredible comeback at the Camp Nou, winning 6-1 and progressing to the next round on away goals. This victory is considered one of the greatest Champions League comebacks of all time.
Read also: Indian Premier League Videos & Highlights